The Best Over-Ear Headphones Over-ear noise-canceling headsets can make a huge difference for those who commute on noisy public transport, work with colleagues who are chatty, or simply want to enjoy music without being distracted by external noise. We've reviewed the top over-ear headphones that combine excellent audio quality and active noise cancellation. Mpow Over Ear Headphones These Bluetooth headphones by Mpow are well-built and offer premium audio quality for the price. They are designed to be worn over the ears and feature ear cups that comfortably fit over your ears. This helps block out ambient noise. The earpads are constructed of a moderately thick cushion that insulates your ears sufficiently to block out a large part of the sounds that surround you however, they do not come with a noise canceling feature. They weigh just over 11 ounces and are comfortable to wear for extended durations of time. The Mpow headphones are simple and similar to other designs of over-ear headphones on the market. The headband that connects the two earcups has a hinge and can be folded to store or transport. The left ear cup contains the controls for power, volume and noise cancellation. The right earcup houses a microphone for hands-free calls. The Mpow headphones offer a good sound quality, however they don't have the bass punch or clarity of the Sony WH1000XM5. The PRTF accuracy and the activation score are above average for Bluetooth headphone models. This will result in a wide and wide soundstage while listening to music. Their PRTF distance score, however, is below average. This means they sound more closed-in and less open compared to headphones with earcups that are larger and open. They also have a decent amount of treble expansion, which will provide an uncluttered and clear sound that will be able to handle the majority of music genres. Their mids are a little bit more pronounced than those from the Sony headphones and give them an energizing sound that is perfect for instrument-rich music. The bass can be a bit overpowering for some people but this is an individual preference that can be adjusted by altering the equalizer settings of your audio player. The Mpow headphones have a long battery life and can be utilized in wired mode when your battery runs out. The headphones come with a USB charger as well as a cable, so you can enjoy your favorite music without interruption. The manufacturer offers a 45-day money-back warranty, along with an 18-month warranty for these headphones. Their customer service is also known for its responsiveness. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 The PX7 S2 are the most recent headphones for over-ears that have graced the Bowers & Wilkins catalog. The PX7 is replaced by the PX7 S2 and they are part of a larger collection of wireless headphones which includes the PI5 & PI7. The design of these headphones feels immediately elegant when they are unboxed. The use of metals and textures on the earcups gives them a luxurious feel. They also are comfortable on the head and ears although they are slightly heavier than the other models. The ears snap off and on easily and can be replaced as they wear out. These headphones come with active noise cancellation. This reduces external sounds and allows you to listen to your music. The technology isn't perfect however, it does a great job of keeping train and plane engine sounds from your ear canals without altering the balance between music and other sounds. The soundstage of the PX7 S2 is what makes it stand out from the rest of the competition. It has ample space between sound elements and offers a distinct separation. This clarity is not always present in other Bluetooth headphones. Although the PX7 S2s aren't as lightweight as their rivals however, they come with a great carry case. The case is cushioned and the headphones can be folded flat when not in use. The earcups are made of a leather-like, soft material that is quite luxurious to the touch. They're also light and comfortable for long listening sessions. The headband was designed for maximum comfort and doesn't squeeze too tight. This helps prevent headaches. The headphones are equipped with a variety of features including Bluetooth multipoint which allows them to be connected with two devices simultaneously. They support all popular Bluetooth codecs, as well as high-res audio, in the event that your streaming service supports it. They come with an amplifier for headphones that gives them an additional boost when used with electronics that aren't powered like laptops. Sony WH-1000XM5 The WH1000XM5 is the latest in Sony’s premium noise cancelling over-ear headphones. These headphones are an excellent upgrade to their predecessors, the WH1000XM2s or the WH1000XM4. Sony has improved on its already impressive active noise cancellation. The fifth-generation headphones, as an example, can now mute low-frequency sounds, such as plane engines and subway car rumbles. They can also detect where you are and adjust the Ambient sound control settings in line with your location. You can still use voice-activated assistants to control your music and get directions. The microphones inside the ear cups are upgraded, which means they can be used for hands-free calls and Siri/Google Assistant commands. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible which means they can connect and pair faster. The WH-1000XM5 was awarded high scores in our lab tests for comfort, ease of use and the quality of its sound. The lightweight headset is comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions without feeling too tight on the head. The ear cups can be adjusted to accommodate different head sizes. The headphones fold flat making them easy to fit into backpacks or suitcases. The earcups are slightly curvier than their predecessors, and the headband features more refined curves to help hide points of assembly. They're covered in a modern synthetic leather that provides more durability and a luxurious look. The ear cup's cavity is also larger and fits more snugly to the ears. This can cause small amount of pressure on your head when worn for extended periods of time. A few of the features of the WH-1000XM4s have been transferred to the XM5. You can still swipe or tap the right earcup in order to change songs, pause audio and access the Ambient sound mode. You can hold your hand on the left earcup to temporarily reduce the volume and boost ambient sounds. This is useful if you need to hear things around you. The XM5s have a few small improvements that make them a great option for headphones that block out noise. The new ANC improves the isolation of low-frequency noises, and the headphones will stop music when lifted off your head in order to conserve energy. Transparent listening mode lets in more outside sound. A new battery-power-consumption algorithm gives the XM5s the same 30-hour battery life rating as their predecessor, and a quick press of the power button will alert you to your remaining charge. Skullcandy ATH-ADX700 For those that are looking to purchase a set of headphones for their gaming setup the ATHXX700 is a great option. They are comfortable and have superior sound. They are also lightweight and won't feel heavy on your head or ears. They come with self-adjusting 3D wings that eliminate the pressure and adjust to the shape of your head. They also come with a detachable cable that is simple to connect to your audio source. These are open-air headphones that look rather unusual, thanks to their huge earcups and honeycomb covers in black that reveal the drivers inside. The unique design is what makes these headphones stand out, but they also have a lot to offer. The self-adjusting wing structure and the brand new 53 mm drivers with bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils and the lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing are what make these headphones so unique and worth the extra investment. The ATH-ADX700 features an impressively broad frequency response, which provides a clear and natural midrange and treble. The sound isn't as bassy as other pairs because they are designed for the general music lover who doesn't like to be bombarded by low frequencies. These headphones are great for gamers as they allow you to hear your teammates and other NPCs without being obstructed. The ATH ADX700 headphones have an impedance rating of 32 ohms, but still require a high-quality amp to operate at its best. It's not a problem when using them with an audio player that is portable however it will be much more manageable and enjoy their full range of sound when used with a headphone amp that is suitable. The ATH-ADX700 comes with a 9.84-foot cable that has a gold-plated 1/8-inch connector and an elastic TPE sheath that helps prevent tangling and damage. The ATH-ADX700 comes with an 1/4 adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made from soft velour that is soft and initially itchy but will break over time. good over ear noise cancelling headphones are also made of a pliable, elevated material that improves the comfort and durability.
good over ear noise cancelling headphones